Ramshorn snail(Planorbidae)

Often introduced into the tank without the knowledge of the aquarist, the Planorbes are small snails very useful and very resistant. They are great allies in the fight against algae. However, they can be invasive if you do not regulate their population.

How to feed the Ramshorn snail?

Vegetarian, this snail will feed mainly on waste, algae and decaying plants. This will not prevent it from tasting also corpses of fish or shrimp if it has the opportunity. This makes it a good ally for aquarists who manage to control its proliferation.

Although Planorbidae is known to eat plants, it will only attack decaying plants. Indeed, it is not strong enough to eat healthy leaves.

You can give it vegetables such as carrot slices, zucchini, salad or groundfish pellets.

Who can live with the Ramshorn snail?

Very peaceful, it makes its little life in its corner and will never interfere with the other occupants of the aquarium.

Be careful of cohabitation with their predators such as botias, loaches or large cichlids. These fish have very special needs and can become very big (like Botia for example). Do not buy them to get rid of your snails, it would be a huge mistake! In addition, aggressive fish will certainly want to eat their antennae, which can cause some stress in our molluscs.

One of the ideal cohabitations is with shrimps, with which they get along very well.

How to breed the Ramshorn snail?

Particularly prolific, reproduction is more than easy! It is a hermaphrodite species, so from the moment you have two, reproduction is possible.

If the population increases exponentially, it is a sign of a surplus of food. Then reduce the feeding to regulate their population.

The eggs are laid in clusters of 10 or 20, among the decoration, whether on the plants or on the windows. If you want to limit the spread of snails, you can remove the eggs as you go. The incubation lasts about fifteen days. After hatching, young Planorbidaes are identical to their parents and are completely independent.

Note that the elimination of larger specimens will allow you to limit the number of births.